“Emotive ballads sit elegantly alongside high energy show stoppers and the witty lyrics … ‘Song for Someone’ is sad and happy at the same time – even moments after the opening bars, you know something magical is about to begin … It is high time that lesser known British musicals are brought to the forefront of attention, and once again SimG have come through in their support for new British writing. With a stellar cast and a great selection of songs, this is an album which everyone should pay attention to, taking a moment to pause and reflect on the lyrics. ‘Love, Lies & Lyrics’ is a musical pic n’ mix which leaves you itching for more. Unique!”

The Public Reviews

✭✭✭✭

“In every number on the album, there is a strong marriage between the words and the music … the recording gives us a variety of musical styles to enjoy … storytelling within the songs are powerful. Many of the songs are like bitesize morsels that leave you wanting more. They are succinct and perfectly formed without being overly complex. There’s plenty of wit, emotion and playfulness throughout; making Ross and the various composers incredibly versatile. The delivery of the lyrics is incredibly important and the selection of vocalists chosen do this superbly. There are classic ballads such as ‘Song for Someone’ sung by the stunning Annalene Beechey and ‘I Will Be There’ performed beautifully by Madalena Alberto; tongue-and-cheek and clever lyrics found in ‘The Taste of All Them Children’ along with Latin influences in ‘Him in 23B’ and ‘Living Like Lesbians’. These are only a few elements crammed into this album that just keeps on giving.”

BroadwayWorldUK

10/10 “extremely listenable and enjoyable, and in places the writing is pure brilliance. Vocal talent across the album is top notch, and with names like Annalene Beechey and The Sarahs Earnshaw and Lark, nothing less should be expected. This album delivers on all levels, and I cannot recommend it enough.”

Review Graveyard

“With its diverse collection of musical styles there is one common denominator running through – Ross’ witty lyrics. This isn’t to say that it is one comic song after another – some are bitter sweet but still with some clever lyrics and never becoming maudlin. A plethora of talent! So, what about the album itself? Even with all this talent, does it work? Yes, it does. It makes me want to keep an eye on what is coming from Ross’ pen in the future.”

Musical Theatre Review

BAARY THE PENGUIN’S BLACK AND WHITE CHRISTMAS

A perfect Christmas gift…

A colour illustrated children’s book & audio CD narrated by Dr Who’s Christopher Eccleston. Based on the original stage musical by Lesley Ross & John-Victor.

‘This book is great fun, a mad and humorous adaptation of an original new musical. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of this unique project and I look forward to seeing it all on the stage one day.’ Christopher Eccleston.

Christopher Eccleston is joined on the CD by a host of West End performers – Haydn Oakley as Barry, Kerry Ellis as The Bedbug Queen, Michael Xavier as Close the Elf, Ricardo Afonso as Father Christmas, Louise Jameson as Sister Actavia, Gabriel Vick as the Wordsmith and Kate Hume as Phoebe.

The book has been created by Perfect Pitch, a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to the creation and development of new British musicals. Adapted from stage to page by Rachel Bellman with Lesley Ross and wonderful illustrations by Matt Rowe. The audio CD was recorded and produced by Sam Featherstone for Price Studios London.

Barry is a penguin detective with enough gumption to carry him from one end of the earth to the other and back again. When Father Christmas is kidnapped by the evil Bedbug Queen it looks like Christmas will be destroyed forever. Only the chosen one, a girl called Phoebe, can save him. But she hates Christmas… Will Barry convince her to help him? Will they reach Father Christmas before midnight strikes? Will they have the power to stop the evil Bedbug Queen?